Obituary

Paula Mae Blake

December 27, 1943 - January 1, 2009

Paula Mae Ruthardt Blake passed away at her home in Pendleton, Ore., on Jan. 1, 2009, at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on Dec. 27, 1943, in Red Oak, Iowa, to parents Lewis and Pearl (Friedrich) Ruthardt.Paula was raised in Goldendale, Wash., and graduated in 1962 from Goldendale High School. She was a dedicated military wife for 22 years and was awarded the Oregon State National Guard Spouse of the Year in 1991. Paula worked for Western Electric and Chinese Pavilion in Vancouver, Wash., while living there. When she resided in White Salmon, Wash., she worked for Paris Fair and Rainier Bank.For 20 years Paula lived in Pendleton, where she worked for Security Pacific, Banner and Old West Federal Credit Union. She was everyone’s favorite teller and bank window lady, giving lollipops and doggie treats to all her special customers.Paula loved reading, camping, family gatherings and John Wayne movies. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Robert “Bob” Blake, of Pendleton; children Nikki Stembridge, of Hood River, Ore., Scott Blake, of Pendleton, and Deanna Russell, of Vancouver; sister Mary Lou Potter, of Vancouver; brother Donald Ruthardt, of White Salmon; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Pinecrest Church of the Nazarene in White Salmon, with a private family graveside service at the White Salmon Cemetery.Memorial contributions in Paula’s name may be given to the American Cancer Society, 7325 W. Deschutes, Suite A, Kennewick, WA 99336. Gardner Funeral Home of White Salmon handled arrangements.